Ministry Staff

Dr. Michael Mooty
Senior Minister

Michael became Senior Minister of Central Christian Church in March, 1995. He served as a student associate at Central in the 1970's while completing work on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Lexington Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the Christian ministry on June 25, 1972.

Before coming to Central, Michael served Disciple churches in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. He served two terms on the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from 1996-1999.

Michael is married to Sarah Boone and has two sons, Boone and Caleb. In the summer of 2005, Boone enlisted in the United States Army and Caleb began his undergraduate studies at Emory University. Both boys have been soccer players, and Michael still serves as the announcer for the Dunbar Boys Soccer team.

Michael brings to the congregation a good mixture of humor, seriousness, and a vision for the Church in this new millennium.

Rev. Chad Snellgrove
Minister of Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Email: csnellgrove@centralchristianlex.org

Chad has enthusiastically served as an Minister of Faith Formation with Children and Youth here at Central since 2001. He loves working with the young people and their families at Central and is grateful to have found a place where he can use his passion for ministry and life. In ministry since 1995, Chad has served churches in Kentucky and Georgia. He is a graduate of Purdue University (B.A. Theatre Design) and Lexington Theological Seminary (MDiv with Youth Ministry Certification). Chad enjoys spending time with his daughters, McKenzie and Emory. Chad's many exercises in faith include golf, hiking, tennis, baseball, running (even in the rain) and swimming.

Rev. Elizabeth King McLaughlin
Minister of Pastoral Care
Email: elizabeth.n.king@gmail.com

Elizabeth joined the staff at Central in 2011 as the Minister of Pastoral Care after spending two years in hospital chaplaincy (at the VA Medical Center and UK Chandler Hospital). She received her MDiv in 2007 from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She enjoys being with people and feels especially called to be with people through life’s many struggles, joys, and transitions. Elizabeth previously served on the staff of Central Christian as a Resident Minister and is excited to return to congregational ministry.

Elizabeth is married to Michael McLaughlin and they have a playful little boy named Maxwell. He is an absolute joy in their lives. In addition to spending time with her family she enjoys long walks, hiking, reading, and hanging out at coffee shops.

Rev. Stephanie Moon McCormick
Minister of Discipleship
Email: smccormick@insightbb.com

The Rev. Stephanie Moon McCormick joined us in 2011 as Minister of Discipleship. She has served as both a Youth Minister in a congregation in Marietta, Georgia, and as a Student Minister at a church here in Lexington. She received her Master of Divinity in 2009 from Lexington Theological Seminary and was ordained in July of that year. She most recently served as an Associate Minister at First Christian Church in Richmond. She lives in Lexington with her husband, Sean, and daughter, Kendall. She enjoys singing, and performs as a member of Lexington Singers. She also likes gardening, viewing documentaries, and exploring healthful ways of living.

Michael Rintamaa
Director of Music
Email: musicatccc@gmail.com

Michael Rintamaa began in 1993 as the full-time director of music at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Lexington. As organist and director, he leads voice and handbell choirs for children, youth, and adults. In 2003, Michael helped to found the Central Music Academy, providing free lessons to inner city children from underprivileged families. Michael has a bachelor of music degree in piano performance from Northwestern University, and a master of music degree in organ performance from Emory University. He is working on his dissertation for a Ph.D. in music history from the University of Kentucky - the music of Edmund Hooper (1553-1621). Michael is the founding director of the auditioned community handbell ensemble, Alluring, begun in 2002. Michael has also served as organist for Temple Adath Israel since 1998. Michael was the organist for Lexington Theological Seminary (2000-2004), and directed the Donovan Scholars Chorus at the University of Kentucky (1999-2004). He has served as the Dean of the Lexington Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (1999-2001).

Michael can be heard as organist on 3 cds recorded at Central Christian Church by Jim Curnow of Curnow Music, with Phil Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic: Great Hymns (2000), Great Carols (2003), and More Great Hymns (2004).

Alluring Handbell Ensemble has recorded two cds with Michael Rintamaa directing - a cd of Christmas handbell music and a cd of classic handbell music.

Dr. Ray Holdren
Marriage Ministry
Email: r.holdren@insightbb.com

Ray is on staff as adjunct minister of pastoral counseling. An honors graduate of the University of Charleston in West Virginia, he earned his M.Div. and D. Min. degrees from Lexington Theological Seminary. Ray carries a major responsibility in our marriage ministry. He is a certified trainer of the Prepare/Enrich inventory, which is used throughout premarital sessions with couples. Other certifications include group psychotherapy, marriage counseling, Master in neurolinguistic programming, Chaplain Supervisor in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and Fellow in the Association of Professional Chaplains.
 
"My marriage to my wife Donna ended with her death after a seventeen year bout with hairy-cell leukemia," shares Ray. "Our son, Michael, is a teacher at Tate's Creek High School. Michael and his wife, Brenda, have made me a proud 'Papa' with Brad, Stephen and Emily (who was born on my birthday! Hence we have shared 'Big Bird' birthday cakes, stiletto birthday cakes - well, you get the picture). I have a great love for people. I enjoy family, social gatherings, music, singing, laughter, reading, the performing arts, fishing, an occasional rock climb, running, pecan pie, rum cake and the ocean."

Rev. Liv Gibbons
Minister in Residence
Email: gibbons.liv@gmail.com

Lynn Gray
Administrative Assistant and Outreach Coordinator
Email: lgray@centralchristianlex.org

Lynn serves as support staff for Michael Mooty as well Wedding Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator.